Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot weighed in on PlayStation's move away from physical media during a recent earnings call, claiming the decision “won't disrupt the industry too much.” Ubisoft's earnings call focused primarily on sales in the first quarter of the company's fiscal year, but Guillemot was also asked to address several different topics related to the company, as well as the industry as a whole.
In early July, PlayStation shared plans to phase out PS5 discs. The change won't happen until January 2028, when users will only be able to purchase games digitally. PlayStation attributed the decision to changing user habits, noting that the majority of purchases for PS5 games are made digitally.
Ubisoft CEO compares Console Shift to PC gaming
PlayStation's decision to move away from physical media has been compared to PC gaming, and Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has made a similar comparison. Guillemot addressed the question of whether the move could prove positive or negative for the industry, claiming that “it helped grow the market” as PC gaming went fully digital. Some analysts have noted that all-digital gaming could reduce costs, and Ubisoft's CEO seemed to echo that sentiment. Guillemot argued that “there is also some pressure for the future on the cost of machines, and being able to be purely digital will help to have a more accessible machine.”
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Guillemot's opinion differs markedly from many others, as PlayStation's decision has resulted in strong backlash. Every post PlayStation makes on social media is quickly inundated with comments about the impending change, usually from frustrated PS5 owners. Even industry veterans open to the idea have shared the need for changes to the current model to make fans more comfortable with the concept of digital ownership. Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra wants a “digital promise” from PlayStation, to ensure that games purchased by users cannot be removed at a later date. Ybarra also argued for changes such as the ability to resell or lend digital purchases.
It remains to be seen whether PlayStation will respond to the backlash and what impact it might have on the company's decision. Sony is facing an antitrust complaint in Mexico, where lawmakers claim the PlayStation Store would become a monopoly as a result. The complaint also addresses how a lack of discs would hurt stores that specialize in selling used games, while limiting consumer options in areas without access to a stable Internet connection.
As the backlash against PlayStation continues, it's likely that more people in the video game industry will have opinions about the future of physical media. Some people are more optimistic than others about Sony's decision, as Guillemot seems to be. However, it will be up to consumers to decide if they want to continue buying PlayStation products when they are only available digitally. Many fans are worried about the future of ownership, and PlayStation has yet to offer plans that can help users feel secure about the future. Keeping PlayStation's most passionate fans invested will be important, especially as Sony begins to shift its internal resources towards the PS6.
Source: VGC
